In the Long Run

Big Guy came home for a day this weekend. He and his girlfriend, Rachel, arrived late Friday night, and then left Sunday morning. He wasn’t here long, but it was enough time to notice a change or two about him.

Big Guy has new prescription wire rim glasses that make him look very distinguished and even more GQ-ly handsome (if that were ever a possibility)! He looks older to me, and more astute and capable somehow. He, however, is not as concerned with his new appearance as he is happy about his increased vision.

Big Guy was very solicitous of us, “the ‘rents”, as well as of Rachel. I saw him opening car doors and restaurant doors for her. He was careful to acquire appropriate clothing and supplies for her for their caving expedition. He politely thanked us numerous times for our hospitality, and apologized profusely for the brevity of the trip, and his inability to spend more time with us. Now, it’s not that Big Guy hasn’t always minded his manners. It’s just that this time his etiquette seemed a very natural and automatic characteristic of a genuinely sincere person.

He greeted and talked to old high school friends and acquaintances with good-natured conversation, and spoke comfortably and easily with several adults at Church. I didn’t hear any sarcastic jesting or sour cynicism so typical of many teenagers. I’m sure there must have been some youthful joking and banter when I wasn’t present, but I give him high marks for being well-spoken.

Just a week or so ago, Big Guy received the news that he will enter the Missionary Training Center on May 14^th in preparation for his mission to Portland, Oregon. It seems to me, as a proud mother, that he has been gaining in maturity his entire college freshman year. I am confident that he will present himself well as a representative of the Church.

As Big Guy left this morning to go back to college, I experienced a poignant pang, knowing that when he, my youngest child, next leaves home, it will be for two years. It will not be easy. But I am gratified to know that he has successfully developed many of the life skills that mark the change from childhood to adult.

Posted by Cyppy at 4:03 PM